SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said too many young people had been forced to emigrate to find work.

He said: "As well as plans to support the creation of nearly 40,000 jobs, we will put an end to the economic madness which has seen investment in our universities cut."

Over the next five years the SDLP would reverse Stormont's recent cuts in student numbers and increase investment in third-level education and apprenticeships. The party also vowed to reduce the fees that students paid at universities.

Mr Eastwood added: "The North cannot continue losing some of its best and brightest. Our people are our greatest resource and the future of this economy is diminished by every one of those people that is forced to leave."

Last year, Ulster University announced plans to scrap more than 1,000 student places over three years.

Mr Eastwood said he plans to establish Northern Ireland's first Digital Technology and Coding Academy.

"With technology like Uber and Airbnb (taxis and apartments sourced through the internet) emerging, today we are already seeing a glimpse of the jobs of tomorrow.

"I want people, young and old, from Northern Ireland to have the skills for these jobs as a matter of fact, not as a matter of luck."

The SDLP in government would seek to grow the export market to create jobs.